The Peace Corps Application Process

I have been meaning to write for some time about the Peace Corps Application Process. If you have ever thought about applying for the Peace Corps, here is some information about it, and how the experience was for me. To actually apply, visit here: http://www.peacecorps.gov/

The first thing you should know, is that you have to be very patient! The application process can take over a year or more! It is best if you have other primary projects (work, school, etc.) while you are going through the application process. (Don’t put your life on hold during the process – you could become very frustrated!)

In addition to the online application and a number of essays and statements of motivation – all applicants must undergo a comprehensive medical and background check. Again, this can take a very long time. I am fortunately quite healthy, but even in my case, Peace Corps required extensive medical information. After you submit your application, you have an initial screening interview, usually with a new Peace Corps staff member just returned from his or her service. Shortly thereafter, you will (hopefully) be nominated. You will then have another interview with your Peace Corps recruiter. You may be advised of steps you can take to strengthen your application (such as learning another language, volunteering in an ESL classroom, etc.). As a nominee, it isn’t 100% that you will be selected to serve in the Peace Corps. That is only official after you have received your invitation. The invitation states exactly where and in what capacity you will serve. You select a region of the world within which you want to serve; Peace Corps assigns you the specific country. The main Peace Corps roles are teaching, health and small enterprise business development. You should also know that if you’ve had a major life change (marriage, divorce, a death in your family, etc.), Peace Corps requires an additional one year waiting period.

So as you can see, the Peace Corps application process is extensive, but worth it. If you are eager for an overseas experience, other options include: teaching English overseas, the Fulbright program, Global Health Volunteer Corps, USAID internships and positions, Catholic Relief Services internships and positions, and for study abroad students – the Gilman, NSEP and many other scholarship programs.

Good luck and Godspeed!